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Herbaceous Perennial

Echinops bannaticus 'Star Frost'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe thistle 'Star Frost'

An upright, clump-forming perennial with divided, spiny grey-green leaves and spherical flowerheads of silvery-white, star-shaped flowers on sturdy, well-branched stems

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver White Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Best in poor, well-drained soils in full sun but will grow well in almost any soil or situation except heavy shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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